Yosemite Visitors Face Hour-Long Lines After Timed Entry System Ends

Hour-long wait times:: On the first weekend of May 2026, visitors reported significant delays entering the park.

Parking at capacity:: Yosemite Valley parking lots were full by late morning.

Increased visitation:: March 2026 saw a 44.98% increase in recreational visitors compared to March 2025, totaling 225,817 visits.

Staffing shortages:: Some entrance gates were unstaffed due to ongoing NPS job cuts.

Advocacy group concerns:: The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) predicted these issues following the cancellation of timed entries, citing potential damage to park resources and diminished visitor experiences.

Visit on weekdays:: Weekends are the busiest; plan trips for weekdays to avoid crowds.

Explore less popular areas:: Opt for less crowded areas of the park.

Arrive early:: If visiting on a weekend, arrive early in the morning.

Park in official lots:: Always park vehicles in designated parking areas.

Visitors on weekends:: Those with limited scheduling flexibility will experience the most significant delays.

Park staff:: Already facing job cuts, staff are further strained by managing increased crowds.

Park resources:: Overcrowding can lead to damage to the park's natural environment.

Q: Why did Yosemite end the timed entry system?

Q: What can visitors do to help alleviate crowding?

Yosemite is experiencing increased crowding and long lines after ending its timed entry system.

Visitors can mitigate these issues by visiting on weekdays or exploring less popular areas.

The end of timed entries raises concerns about the impact on park resources and staff.